I bought a pump (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051H … UTF8&psc=1) and some float switches and got everything worked out except for the valve system. My current valve system is an absolute mess, which is an understatement. Currently, I have three servos connected to an irrigation valve hub. The servos are connected with the help of hot glue and poster board (picture below) :lol: . Obviously, this is not ideal. Any suggestions for a better valve system?
I’m brand new to this stuff and I am loving it. I would like to build a small indoor irrigation system that will water three plants once an absence of water is detected. However, since I have little knowledge in electronics and what not, I am not exactly sure what equipment I will need. At first I was thinking I would get the Sparkfun solenoid valves (https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10456) along with the Sparkfun liquid pump (https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10455). However, Sparkfun says that the liquid pump is not compatible with the solenoids because it does not provide enough pressure.
So, can anyone give me an idea as to what equipment and components (hoses, water sensors, and long jumper cables are a given) I should purchase to accomplish this, relatively, simple project? As of now, I have a Sparkfun Inventor’s Kit, so any components that I will need, that are not included in the SIK, should be listed. In addition, I would also need advice on powering this equipment since my knowledge is only limited to the SIK guide. Thank you so much for your time. It really means a lot to me.
I will post a picture of how I envision this working. Please, feel free to provide a better solution. That’s why I am asking! :dance:
How much distance will there be between the various components ? I’d expect the pump and Arduino to be co-located but the plants perhaps some distance away. Are you going to have a sensor per plant ? Have you looked into what to use (or has been used) ? Are you going to have a water level sensor in the tank ? Do you need a bilge pump (your aforementioned pump) or would a smaller, less $$, less GPH pump do ? If so might you get away w/3 pumps and 3 lines, one per plant ?
There will probably be about three feet between each plant and I was think of putting a little float switch in each plant pot (this setup is actually for christmas trees). I am having a problem figuring out what motor to use because I can’t figure out what will be compatible with the solenoid valves. Because of this, I have actually been considering using three servos to open and close the three valves (by attaching the servo arm directly to the handle of a valve) instead of using the solenoid valves. With this sort of setup, I wouldn’t have to worry about what kind of pump to get.
Does this sound fine or am I taking the wrong approach?
I bought a pump (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051H … UTF8&psc=1) and some float switches and got everything worked out except for the valve system. My current valve system is an absolute mess, which is an understatement. Currently, I have three servos connected to an irrigation valve hub. The servos are connected with the help of hot glue and poster board (picture below) :lol: . Obviously, this is not ideal. Any suggestions for a better valve system?
lyndon:
I’ve used [these valves and they seem OK. Haven’t used them much, but they are priced nicely and work well. Need some stiff 1/4" tubing for the quick connects.[/quote]
lyndon:
I’ve used [these valves and they seem OK. Haven’t used them much, but they are priced nicely and work well. Need some stiff 1/4" tubing for the quick connects.[/quote]
I don’t think my little pump can provide 3PSI to open the valve.[/quote]
<LINK_TEXT text=“https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3934/154 … 43770c.jpg”>https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3934/15423930359_54a743770c.jpg</LINK_TEXT>[image by [dylan_j_thompson, on Flickr
<LINK_TEXT text=“https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3928/152 … c20b_s.jpg”>https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3928/15268744958_4a22cac20b_s.jpg</LINK_TEXT>[irrigation system by [dylan_j_thompson, on Flickr](About Dylan Thompson | Flickr)](irrigation system | Dylan Thompson | Flickr)](irrigation system | Dylan Thompson | Flickr)](About Dylan Thompson | Flickr)](image | Dylan Thompson | Flickr)](image | Dylan Thompson | Flickr)